Friday

Apr 13, 2018 at 7:39 PMApr 13, 2018 at 7:39 PM

WASHINGTON — The Blue Jackets likely won’t have center Alexander Wennberg for Game 2 on Sunday and the Washington Capitals could be without defenseman Michal Kempny after each was knocked out of Thursday’s game by a crushing, controversial hit.

Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen described Wennberg as “doubtful” for Sunday’s game during a conference call with reporters on Friday.

Kekalainen didn’t provide further details on Wennberg’s upper-body injury. Meanwhile, the Capitals listed Kempny as “day-to-day” and expected to know more when he is re-evaluated on Saturday.

Wennberg, whose first career playoff goal started the comeback from a 2-0 deficit in the Jackets’ 4-3 overtime win, was sandwiched between Capitals forwards Alex Ovechkin and Tom Wilson in the corner at 1:18 of the third period.

Wilson rammed Wennberg into the boards, hitting him in the head with his shoulder. Wilson was assessed a two-minute penalty for charging. Wennberg left the game and didn’t return.

“The hit on Wennberg is a dangerous hit,” Kekalainen said.

“I’m just trying to finish my check there,” Wilson explained. “I’m obviously not trying to take a penalty. That’s a critical moment. I’ve got to be better and maybe pass up on that hit. We’ve got the lead (2-1) there, so maybe a big hit’s not needed.”

Kempny suffered an upper-body injury with 2:37 left in the first period on Josh Anderson’s hit from behind. Anderson extended his right elbow, though it appeared to miss Kempny, whose head still hit the glass. Anderson was given a five-minute major and a 10-minute game misconduct (ejection).

Blue Jackets coach John Tortorella was incensed on the bench but declined to comment about the penalty after the game. Kekalainen said he didn’t agree with the call.

“That’s one of those calls that’s tough. It happens fast,” Kekalainen said. “It’s unfortunate the player got hurt. Nobody wants to see that.”

Neither Wilson nor Anderson will be suspended for their hits, The Washington Post reported on Friday, citing an unnamed source familiar with the league’s disciplinary decision-making.

If Kempny is unable to play, Christian Djoos is expected to replace him in the lineup.

Should Wennberg sit out Game 2 as expected, rookie wing Sonny Milano, a healthy scratch on Thursday, likely will be inserted in the lineup and Brandon Dubinsky will move from fourth-line right wing to his natural position at center. In that case, Pierre-Luc Dubois, Nick Foligno, Mark Letestu and Dubinsky would center the four lines.

The Blue Jackets continue to be without center Lukas Sedlak, who has missed eight games after being struck by a puck in the back of his head on March 22 against Florida. Kekalainen said Sedlak is “progressing,” but “there’s no real timetable when he’ll be healthy and back.”

The acquisition of Letestu at the trade deadline in late February “gives us some flexibility and depth we need through the grind of the playoffs,” Kekalainen said, noting that the 33-year-old veteran also has been an asset on special teams.

“He has done what we’ve expected him to do, and we knew he was going to (do), because we know the player so well,” Kekalainen added.

Thomas Vanek, the other veteran forward acquired at the deadline, scored a power-play goal on Thursday.

“He wants to prove people wrong if they think that he can’t do it in the playoffs … and he had a good start last night,” Kekalainen said.

He added of Vanek’s leadership, “You never have too much experience, that’s for sure. Experience is valuable in the playoffs and in those key moments that decide whether your season is going to be a success or not.”

Kekalainen said Foligno has done “an excellent job” as captain, and defenseman Seth Jones, who isn’t one of the team’s alternate captains but was worn an ‘A’ on occasion, “does not need a letter. The way he plays right now, the way he leads by example, that’s leadership at its best.”

sgorten@dispatch.com

@sgorten

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.